Bath 30 London Irish 3: Donald produces commanding show

Claassens crosses for Bath’s second try, an early contender for score of the season, that lit up a soggy dayAndrew Couldridge/Action Images

In terms of style, Stephen Donald may have his detractors, but the All Blacks’ World Cup-winning fly half certainly has substance.

At the Recreation Ground yesterday the New Zealander was in his element as Bath ended a run of four successive defeats with a comprehensive victory over London Irish, for whom the physical demands of two games in six days proved too great a burden.

That, though, is to take nothing away from Donald or Michael Claassens, his half-back partner, who controlled the game superbly in heavy conditions to which Bath adapted more adeptly.

Claassens scored what will surely be a contender for try of the season in the second half, while Donald contributed 15 points, propelling Bath’s hungry forwards with assurance. Donald was content…